US Navy rescues crew of bulk carrier attacked by Houthis in Red Sea

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Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) successfully rescued the crew of the merchant ship M/V Tutor, which was attacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on June 12.

The rescue mission, which took place on June 15, included airlifting the crew to safety and providing medical care.

The M/V Tutor, a Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned bulk carrier, was struck by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by Houthi forces while operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea.

The attack caused significant flooding and significant damage to the engine room, rendering the ship immobile.

Following the incident, a civilian sailor remained missing.

A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 transported 24 civilian sailors from the damaged Tutor to the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser.

Helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 then transported the crew to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

After the sailors received medical treatment on the Eisenhower, they were taken ashore for further treatment.

Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, Commander of IKECSG and Carrier Strike Group 2, reacted to the operation by saying it was humbling to see how the battle group assisted and rescued the crew of the M/V Tutor.

Miguez added that we are always ready to help. This is the right thing to do.

On Sunday, the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) confirmed the rescue mission and stressed the ongoing threat to the region from Houthi forces.

The attack on the Tutor occurred near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah and after the crew was evacuated, the ship was reportedly drifting in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they were carried out in solidarity with the Palestinians and against ships bound for Israel.

The IKECSG is currently stationed in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of operations and is tasked with maintaining maritime security and stability in the Middle East.

Reference: DVIDS, BBC

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